DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today informed that under the ongoing state-level campaign "Project JEEVANJYOT?2", three child beggars were rescued during 11 special raids carried out across various districts of Punjab. Since the launch of this phase of the campaign, a total of 195 children have been rescued through 190 special raids conducted over the last 11 days.

She added that these raids were conducted by the district-level Child Protection Teams in Barnala, Bathinda, Fatehgarh Sahib, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Pathankot, Patiala, Sangrur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Tarn Taran. During the recent raids, two children were rescued in Hoshiarpur and one in Sangrur. After counselling, the child rescued in Sangrur was reunited with the parents, while the documentation of the two children rescued in Hoshiarpur is still under process, and both have been shifted to a Child Care Institution (CCI).

Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that a total of 102 children have been admitted to CCIs during these 11 days. She further informed that if there is any suspicion regarding the relationship between a rescued child and the accompanying adult, the District Child Welfare Committee is authorized to recommend DNA testing with the approval of the Deputy Commissioner to ensure the child's safety and identity. Issuing a stern message, the Minister said that any parent found forcing their child into begging, even after repeated counselling, will be declared unfit guardians and face legal consequences. Moreover, any individual involved in child trafficking or exploitation will also face strict punitive action under the law.

Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated the

Punjab Government's firm commitment towards the protection and welfare of children. She said that "Project JEEVANJYOT" is not just about rescuing children from the streets, but also about ensuring they are provided with education, nutrition, shelter, and a dignified life.

She also appealed to the public to refrain from giving alms to child beggars and to immediately inform the authorities if any child is seen begging. Citizens can report such cases by calling the Child Helpline at 1098, so that timely intervention can help transform the lives

of these children.

(editor@dailyworld.in)